Kristie L. Van Waus
Cape Coral
Summary
Dedicated Nursing Leader with a proven track record in enhancing patient care quality and operational efficiency. Expertise in team collaboration, staff development, and resource management. Demonstrated ability to adapt and achieve results in dynamic healthcare environments, with strong clinical skills, patient advocacy, and regulatory compliance.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Manager, Quality
Healthpark Medical Center
12.2025 - Current
- Enhanced nurse-sensitive outcomes by monitoring key quality indicators consistently.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to implement evidence-based practices effectively.
- Facilitated professional development and education on quality initiatives for staff.
- Transformed performance metrics into actionable improvements for patients and organization.
- Led performance improvement initiatives, significantly enhancing care quality and patient outcomes.
Clinical Associate
Florida Southwestern State College
08.2025 - Current
- Enhanced nursing student skills through effective instructional support and supervision.
- Strengthened clinical competencies in patient care, labs, and simulation environments.
- Delivered hands-on training in clinical procedures and nursing best practices.
- Guided nursing students with patient assessments and care planning strategies.
- Evaluated student performance, providing timely feedback on clinical competencies.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (PRN)
Act Abuse & Treatment Center
03.2023 - Current
- Documented patients' wounds and injuries for comprehensive medical evaluations.
- Captured forensic photographs to support clinical and legal assessments.
- Conducted thorough examinations for evidence of abuse, aiding legal proceedings.
- Provided expert courtroom testimony based on detailed forensic findings.
Nursing Professional Development Supervisor
Lee Health
12.2023 - 12.2025
- Enhanced nursing development through effective supervision of campus practitioners.
- Directed educational initiatives and programs to improve clinical excellence system-wide.
- Standardized clinical practices and workflows to ensure high-quality patient care.
- Identified learning needs across campuses, facilitating uniform educational interventions.
- Led systematic change management initiatives across the health system effectively.
- Mentored in evidence-based practices, promoting scholarly inquiry and implementation.
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Lee Health
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Designed five monthly E-learning modules for 5,000+ employees' clinical practices.
- Implemented quality improvement plans to maintain metrics and evidence-based practice.
- Approved continuing education hours for organization-wide educational programs.
- Supported Professional Nursing Advancement Program to enhance nursing professional development.
- Reviewed and edited educational modules focused on nursing care and practice.
- Co-chaired committee to revise system policies based on current evidence-based practices.
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Lee Health
03.2021 - 02.2023
- Enhanced clinical excellence through active participation in training and development.
- Designed and implemented educational programs for professional growth in emergency department.
- Provided expertise in assessing and planning nursing orientation and practice.
- Developed project improvement plans to maintain quality metrics effectively.
- Facilitated continuing education and in-service programs for staff development.
Registered Nurse in Emergency Department
Lee Health
08.2020 - 03.2021
- Managed critical medical emergencies, ensuring rapid and effective patient care.
- Served as Relief Charge Nurse in a high-volume emergency department.
- Accurately assessed and stabilized patients in urgent medical situations.
- Reacted swiftly to emergencies, employing decisive actions to save lives.
- Demonstrated expert clinical skills in critical care across diverse patient cases.
Campus Nursing Supervisor (PRN)
UHHS Geauga Medical Center
01.2019 - 08.2020
- Managing Staff and staffing assignments for small community hospitals, patient flow of hospital admissions and transfers, patient satisfaction/complaints, resources for all nursing units.
Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
UHHS Geauga Medical Center
01.2016 - 08.2020
- Saved lives by managing critical medical emergencies in diverse situations.
- Led nursing team in a twenty-bed level III trauma center effectively.
- Assessed and stabilized patients swiftly, ensuring timely medical interventions.
- Demonstrated decisive action in emergencies, enhancing patient survival rates.
- Utilized expert clinical skills for comprehensive emergency care management.
Registered Nurse Emergency Department/SANE Nurse
Lake Health Tripoint Medical Center
08.2013 - 10.2016
- Improved patient outcomes by managing medical emergencies with efficiency and expertise.
- Assessed and stabilized patients rapidly, ensuring timely critical care interventions.
- Executed sound decision-making in emergencies, contributing to patient survival rates.
- Delivered expert clinical care for diverse Emergency Department patient needs.
- Provided comprehensive healthcare for adult and pediatric sexual assault victims.
- Mentored new registered nurses, enhancing clinical skills and team performance.
- Facilitated smooth operations in a 24-bed emergency department as Charge Nurse.
- Supported physicians in EGD, Colonoscopy, and other minor surgical procedures.
Registered Nurse
Lake Health Lake West Medical Center
11.2012 - 08.2013
- Improved patient outcomes through effective admission and discharge processes.
- Administered medications and provided wound care, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Executed IV therapy and EKGs, enhancing patient diagnostic capabilities.
- Educated patients and families on care plans, fostering better understanding of treatments.
- Delivered age-appropriate care while implementing strict infection control measures.
Education
Doctor Of Nursing Practice -
Walden University
Minneapolis, Minnesota11.2025
MSN Nurse Educator -
Walden University
Minneapolis, Minnesota02.2023
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio08.2017
Associate of Applied Science Degree Nursing -
Lakeland Community College
Kirtland, Ohio09.2012
Skills
- Quality improvement
- Department management
- Evidence-based practice implementation
- Critical thinking & rapid decision making
- Curriculum design & staff education program development
Certification
- Certified Emergency Nurse
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse
- Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse
- Nursing Professional Development – BC
Timeline
Nurse Manager, Quality
Healthpark Medical Center
12.2025 - Current
Clinical Associate
Florida Southwestern State College
08.2025 - Current
Nursing Professional Development Supervisor
Lee Health
12.2023 - 12.2025
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (PRN)
Act Abuse & Treatment Center
03.2023 - Current
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Lee Health
02.2023 - 04.2024
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Lee Health
03.2021 - 02.2023
Registered Nurse in Emergency Department
Lee Health
08.2020 - 03.2021
Campus Nursing Supervisor (PRN)
UHHS Geauga Medical Center
01.2019 - 08.2020
Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
UHHS Geauga Medical Center
01.2016 - 08.2020
Registered Nurse Emergency Department/SANE Nurse
Lake Health Tripoint Medical Center
08.2013 - 10.2016
Registered Nurse
Lake Health Lake West Medical Center
11.2012 - 08.2013
Doctor Of Nursing Practice -
Walden University
MSN Nurse Educator -
Walden University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Ohio University
Associate of Applied Science Degree Nursing -
Lakeland Community College
Presentations
- Rapid Fire, Keeping the Crew Current, Aspire ANPD Conference April 2024
- Human Trafficking. How Can We Help? SWFL ENA Symposium, April 2024
Additional Training Education
- Ohio University EBP Immersion – 2024-08-01
- Ohio University Integration & Teaching EBP in Academia or Clinical Setting – 2024-10-01
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult & Pediatrics, 2014
- Association for Nursing Professional Development, 2026 Convention Abstract Reviewer, 2025
- Lean Six Sigma – White belt
Associations
- American Nurses Association
- Florida Chapter American Nurses Association
- Association for Nursing Professional Development
- Emergency Nurses Association
- Florida Chapter Emergency Nurses Association
- Sigma Theta Tau
- National League of Nursing
- Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership
Awards
- Key Contributor Award – 2023, 2025
- DAISY Award Winner – 2022
- Unit Nurse of the Year – 2018
- Hero of the Month – 2017